Pepperdine 2015

Receive the latest about-us updates in your inbox

On the first day of my internship, I paused to read the bold, blue letters emblazoned on the NBC4 newsroom door: "The stories begin here." Walking down the Burbank Studios hallway, various quotes aligned the walls from news veterans such as Tom Brokaw and Chuck Henry.

Landing my internship with NBCLA.com was a dream come true. On the first day, I found myself meeting with the web team at their daily story planning meeting and getting assigned to my first story. Throughout the course of my internship, I wrote more than 50 stories locally for NBCLA.com and a few of my stories were nationalized on NBC News.

Every article was reviewed by an editor. These lengthy editing sessions are some of my most memorable experiences at NBC4. Receiving feedback on my writing and reporting from award-winning digital and on-air journalists is something that cannot be replicated at just any internship. Analyzing each member of the web team’s writing style has helped me become a quicker, more concise news writer.

I was also entrusted with managing some of NBCLA's social media presence on various social networks including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Carefully crafting these posts allowed me to receive immediate feedback from not only my editors, but also from the general public.

I quickly learned that the news is unpredictable and when breaking news happens, it takes precedence over everything. Deadly bus crashes, SoCal wildfires and police pursuits are a few scenarios I’ve encountered during my shifts. My biggest takeaway was the teamwork displayed during these episodes. Web and broadcast work hand in hand to provide the public with the most up-to-the-minute, accurate information.

During my internship, I was fortunate enough to witness many milestones at the network. The legendary NBC studios in Burbank moved into a state-of-the-art facility in Universal City, and I had the opportunity to help cover the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

From day one I was immediately welcomed as a member of the web team. I am confident that NBCLA’s rigorous internship program has helped prepare me for a future in journalism. Over my 17-week internship, I have grown immensely as a journalist and as an individual. Interning at one of the top television stations was a rewarding and thrilling learning experience. Every time I see the NBC logo I am reminded that I was once a peacock, too.